Acetylene-gas generator.



PATENTED APR. 12, 1904.. G. LAPORTE. AOETYLENB GAS GENERATOR.

AIPLIOATIOR' FILED MAR; 26, 1903.

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Attorneys .No. 757,402- v PATENTED APRylz, 19 4. G.LAPORTE. AGETYLENE GAS GENERATOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 26, 1903.

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Attorneys UNITED STATES Patented April 12, 1904..

PATENT OFFICE.

AC ETYLE NE-GAS GEN ERATOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 757,402, dated Apri1 12, 1904.

Application filed March 26, 1903.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known thatI, GEORGE LAPORTE, a subject of the King of Great Britain, residing at St. Felix de Valois, county of Joliette, Province of Quebec, Canada, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Acetylene- Gas Generators; and l do hereby declare that the following is a full,clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to acetylene-gas generators, and it is especially adapted for supplying hotels, villas,residences, &c.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement whereby a series of cells containing the active gas-producing agent are brought successively into operation, provision being made for automatically giving an alarm when the materials of the last cell of the V series have become exhausted.

The invention further consists in automatic arrangements for controlling the supply of the gas and water which produces the gas and for purifying the gas.

The invention consists in the construction and combination of parts to bemore fully described hereinafter and definitely set forth in the claims.

In the drawings, which fully illustrate my invention, Figure 1 represents the generator generally in front elevation, certain parts being shown in section or broken away, as will appear. Fig. 2 represents the apparatus substantially in vertical cross-section, taken in a plane at right angles to the plane of Fig. 1,

- certain of the parts being shown in elevation,

however. Fig. 3 represents, upon an enlarged scale, a vertical section illustrating a portion of the apparatus for automatically shutting down the gas-generation and for giving an alarm. Fig. 4:, which is also upon an enlarged scale, represents a portion of the automatic valve mechanism which is shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 5, which 1s also upon an enlarged scale,

- is a longitudinal section of a water -supply trough, which is illustrated also in connection Serial No. 149,740. 1119 model.)

with Fig. 3 and through which the gas-producing water passes.

Throughout the drawings and specification the same numerals of reference indicate like parts. I

Referring more particularly to the parts, 10 represents the body of the generator, which consists of an upright cylindrical casing mounted upon a suitable base 11. As illustrated, this body is provided with a pair of transverse heads 12 and 13, the former of which incloses below it a chamber or compartment 14, which contains a quantity of water 15. The forward wall of this compartment is formed into a substantially square plate 16 of increased thickness, through which plate passes a generator-box 17 which projects well backwardly into the chamber, as indicated. It should appear that this generating-box consists, substantially, of an elongated receptacle or box which is substantially rectangular or square in crosssection and which is closed at the front by a removable plate or cover 18, the arrangement for this purpose including a diagonally-disposed bar 19, pivoted at 20 and havinga hooked extremity 21, which lies behind a lug 22,"carried 'by'the generator-box, and which is provided with a clamping-screw 23 for the, purpose of firmly clamping. the cover 18 in positiomasfwill be readily under stood. Within this generator-box is provided a drawer 24:, which is most clearly shown in Fig. 6 and which is intended to contain the active gas-producing agent. lts specific construction and the manner of usingit will be more fully described hereinafter. For the purpose of making the generator-box additionally secure its rear portion may rest upon a support or bracket 25 of any suitable construction, as shown in Fig. 2.

It should appear that above the body 10 the generator-casing comprises a removable cap or bonnet 26, the lower edge of which overlaps the upper edge of the aforesaid body 10, to which it attaches in any suitable manner, as indicated at 27. This bonnet is formed with a transverse head 28 and a suitable top 29, so that it constitutes a supply tank or reservoir 30 for the water 31. A portion of this reservoir may be boxed oil or separated by a partition or wall 32 to form a compartment 33, in which may be placed a voltaic cell 34 or battery which is used in connection with a bell 35 for giving an alarm under certain circumstances, as will be described more fully hereinafter.

Preferably at the front of the generator there is provided a vessel 36, which consists of a closed cylinder, as indicated, in which there is mounted a siphon or pipe 37, substantially U-shaped inverted, so that this vessel constitutes a trap, as will appear more fully hereinafter. A pipe 38 conducts the water from the reservoir. 30 through the upper head of this vessel 36, where a quantity 39 of the water accumulates. Water passes from the siphon through a pipe 40, which passes into the projecting outer extremity of the aforesaid generator-box 17, where it delivers the water into a drip-trough 41. The arrangement of this part is most clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 7, where it should appear that the drip-trough is provided with a spout or mouth 42, which is adapted to deliver the water into the drawer 24, which drawer contains some active gasproducing agent, such as calcium carbid 43. 1

Above the head 13 a quantity of water 44 is placed, in which there is immersed a bell 45, which is adapted to receive beneath it the gas which is'generated in the generator-box 17. The head 13 is provided with a central tubular guide .46, which receives a guide-rod 47, which projects downwardly from the head 48 of the bell, as indicated. This rod 47 also projects upwardly, as indicated at 49, passing through a tubular guide 50 in the bonnet 26 aforesaid. Its upper extremity is provided with a cross head. or pin. 8, which pin lies in anelongated'slot or opening 51, which is disposed in'the extremity of a lever 52, which is pivoted at 53 to the side of the bonnet and which is weighted with an adjustable weight 54,v the said weight being provided with a setscrew 55 for this purpose. From this arrange ment it should appear that the position of the weight 54 may be adjusted so as to change the pressure which will support the bell. The gas. which is generated in the aforesaid generator-box 17 passes upwardly througha pipe 56, which includes a suitable valve or stop-. cock57, and this pipe leads the gas through the upper head of a purifier 58, which consists,substantially,of acylindrical vessel filled with a suitable absorbent. material 59, such as sponges or charcoal. passes, by a pipe connection 60, into the body of the generator and is delivered near the bottom and belowv the levelof the water 15 surrounding the generator -box. The sponges and charcoal inthe purifier afford means for removing much of the impurity contained in the gas, such as grease and dirt. It will be understood that as the gas leaves the pipe it passes upwardly through the water 1-5, and this operates to wash the gas, after which the From this point the gasgas which has accumulated in the upper part of this chamber passes out through the pipe connection 61, which leads the gas through the purifier 62, which is substantially similar in construction to the purifier 58, already described. The gas leaves the purifier 62 by a pipe connection 63, which leads into the space below the bell 45, where it comprises an upward extension 64, to the upper end of which is attached a valve 65, which is shown more in detail in Fig. 4. Arrangement is made for automatically controlling this valve 65, so that as the bell 45 rises with accumulating unused gas the opening in the valve 65 becomes more and more restricted or closes altogether if the rise of the bell exceeds a certain amount. To this end a stem 66 is provided, which passes vertically into the valve from above, the lower extremity of which is provided with a taper plug 67, which is adapted to seat in a tapered opening 68 of the valve. The stem 66 may be guided through the perforated cap 69, which constitutes a cover for the valve, as will be readily understood, and through which the gas escapes into the surrounding space below the cover. This stem 66 attaches to a lever 70, one extremity of which lever is pivoted at 71 to an arm 72, the lower extremity of which arm is pivoted to a fixed arm 73, carried by the upright extension 64. The opposite extremity of the lever 7 O is attached to a link 74, which link is pivoted at 75 to a cap 7 6,which is mounted in a threaded nipple 77, which projects upwardly about an opening 78, formed in the head 48 of the bell. From this arrangement it should appear that when the bell rises it operates to elevate the stem 66 and in this manner moving the valve in a direction to restrict orclose the opening through the valve. The cap 76 affords means of adjustment, as will appear, which adjustment is effected by removing the pivot or pin 75 and turning the cap 76 in either direction to the desired amount necessary to effect the proper adjustment. The amount of this turning of thelcap may be one hundred and eighty degrees, three hundred and sixty degrees, &c. after which the pin is replaced as before. The position of the bell 45 also affords means for automatically controlling the flow of water from the reservoir 30 to the trap 36. For this purpose the pipe connection 38-aforesaid includes a cook 79, which is illustrated in. Fig. 5. It should appear that the plug 80 of this cock is provided with an eye81 in its head, through which passes an operating-lever 82, to the extremity of which there is attached a link 83, which link is pivoted to an ear 84, carried by the upper side of the head 48 of the bell, as illustrated. From this arrangement it should appear that the descent or rise of the bell will eflect a change of opening through the cook 79. From an inspection of Fig. 5 it should appear that the opening 85 through the plug 80 is elongated and tapering in form, wherebya given angu- .1ar movement of the lever 82 produces a fur: ther opening through the cock in an increased proportion or ratio, it being understood that when the valve is nearly closed as, for instance, where a small number of lamps or burners are being supplied with gas-the plug is in such a position that the water flows through the point or narrow portion of the delivered therethrough, and this pipe has an extension 88, which lies under the bell 45 and receives the gas which accumulates beneath the same.

For the purpose of filling the trap 36 the .same is provided with a removable plug 89,

and a similar. removable plug is provided in the body of the generator, leading into the chamber 14:, the latter plug enabling the water 15 to be poured into the generator.

A riser-pipe 91 is provided, which leads fromthe chamber 14, near the bottom thereof, and communicates with the chamber 92, which is formed between the aforesaid heads 12 and 13. This arrangement is for the purpose of enabling the upper portion of the chamber 14: to act as an cflicient and extensible reservoir for the accumulating gas in case the gas should be generated at too great a rate to be cared for by the possible rise of the bell. It should be understood that the accumulating gas in the chamber 14: displaces the water 15 within this chamber, which then rises through the aforesaid riser-pipe 91 and enters the chamber 92 aforesaid.

Referring especially to Figs. 2 and 6, it should appear that the aforesaid drawer 24 is provided with a longitudinally-disposed partition 93, which abuts at its extremity with a transverse partition 94. These partitions or divisions 93 and 9 1 are of substantially the same height as the sides of the drawer, as will appear. A plurality of other partitions 95 are provided, which are transversely disposed on either side of the aforesaid partition 93 and the edges of which are at a lower level,

a as indicated. In this manner a portion of the 50.

interior of the drawer isdivided into a series of compartments or cells 96, and the outer extremity of the drawer is formed into a chamber 97 or float-compartment. Within the cells 96 there are placed the carbid-holders 98, which consist, substantially, of perforated receptacles adapted to receive the calcium carbid or a. similar active gas-producing agent. Near its inner extremity the aforesaid part1- tion 93 is provided with an opening 99, which connects the two adjacent cells at thispoint.

A similar opening is provided in the transverse partition 94, which opens communication between one of the innermost cells 96 and the float-compartment 97 and it should appear that the lower edges 101 of these openings are at substantially the same height as the upper edges of the partitions 95. The water from the drip-trough 11 is allowed to fall first into the cell 102, where a reaction is set up between it and the calcium carbid contained therein, this action continuing uninterruptedly until the active ingredient of the calcium carbid is exhausted, whereupon an excess of water will accumulate in this cell, and the level of this water will rise until it reaches the upper edge of the inclosing partition 95, at which time the water will run over into the next adjoining cell 103, and this cell then becomes active. action or reaction continues successively throughout the entire drawer of cells, the cells being thrown in in succession, as stated. The opening 99 is for the purpose of enabling the water to reach the cells on the opposite sides of the longitudinal partition 93, as will be readily understood, after which the active point in the drawer returns toward the front of the drawer, finally reaching the cell 10 1. 7 When this cell is reached and its contents finally exhausted, the water within it passes through the opening 100 into the float-compartment 97 aforesaid, shutting off the further water-supply and giving an alarm in a manner which will be de- 107, into which passes a guide-stem 108, which guide-stem projects vertically from the bottom of the float-tank in the manner shown. It should be observed that the aforesaid driptrough 41 is pivoted at 109 to the upper wall of the generator-box. Near its mouth 42 it is supported upon a rest or bracket 110, which is attached to the upper side, of the float 106. The upper extremity 111 of this trough lies directly beneath and constitutes a support for the stem 112 of a supply-valve 113, which valve is placed in the pipe connection 10, as illustrated. Near the upper portion of this stem there is provided a conical plug 114:, which may seat itself in thevalve, so as to restrict or entirely close the passage therethrough. It should appear that the stem 112 aforesaid passes downwardly through the bore of the pipe 40. From this arrangement it should appear that if the float 106 should rise Arrangement is made whereby an alarm is given by means of the float 106. The apparatus for this purpose includes the aforesaid In this manner the.

battery 34 and bell-35, which are included in an electric circuit 115, which circuit comprises the terminals 116 and 117, surrounded by a suitable insulation 118.' To the terminal 116 a contact-plate 119 is pivoted, which is normally supported upon the upper extremity of the valve-stem 112, as illustrated in Fig. 3.

.When the plug 114 descends in the manner suggested to close the valve, this contact-plate 119 rests against the terminal 117, thereby closing the electric circuit 115, causing the bell 35 to ring and giving an alarm.

It should appear that in connection with the chamber 92 aforesaid there is provided an inverted vertical pipe 120, the mouth 121 of which is disposed near the bottom of the chamber, and which pipe is provided above with -a laterally-disposed elbow122, which passes through the wall of the chamber 92 and opens communication with the outer air. At the elbow 122 there is provided a small opening 123. .From this arrangement when the water 15 from the chamber 14 passes up- Wardly from the riser-pipe 91 into the chamber 92 the air within this chamber is allowed to escape through the opening 123, though the level of the water within the said chamber may be at a height above that of the mouth 121.

- Referring again to the drip-trough 41, it should appear that this trough comprises an arm 124, to which the trough is pivoted at 109, as aforesaid. As shown, the extremity of this arm is provided witha weight 125, which is adapted to normally maintain the mouth 42 in a depressed position.

For the purpose of preventing the aforesaid supply-pipe38 from becoming stopped up from the accumulation of sediment passing into the same from the bottom of the supplyreservoir 30 near the entrance into'the said pipe there is provided a suitable screen 126, which may be of fine wire-gauze or similar material.

The mode of operation of' the apparatus will be now briefly outlined. The chamber 30, which constitutes a reservoir for containing the supply of water which is to be used as an active agent inproducing the gas, is filled or partially filled with water, as shown, and this water finds its way through a supply-pipe 38, to a trap 36, whence it passes by a pipe 40 to the generator-box 17, at which point it is received upon a drip-trough 41, which delivers the same into one of the cells 96, which are formed in the drawer 24 and which contain the calcium carbid. The first cell upon becoming inactive brings the second cell into action, and so on in the manner described until the entire series of cells have been exhausted, whereupon the water reaches the floattank and elevates the float 106 in the manner described, closing the valve 113 and ringing the bell 35, as stated. The gas formed in the generator-box passes up through the pipe 56,

the cell.

as stated. When the bellrises a sufficient amount, it closes this valve, and when the bell descends, due to the depletion of the gas-supply beneath the ,bell, its descent automatically opens the valve and allows its contents tobe renewed from the chamber;14. If the pressure produced by the bell 45 is sufficient, the gas may accumulate in the upper portion of the chamber, 14 somewhatin the same manner in which it accumulates beneath the bell. When this occurs, the water 15 is. forced around through the pipe 91 to the chamber 92, in this manner allowing the expansion of the space for the gas... Avalve 79, contained in the pipe connection 38, is automatically controlled by the. descent or rising of the bell, so

that when the bell is at a low position, indicating a depletion of the supply of gas beneath it, the valve or cook 79 is thrown to an open position, allowing an increased quantity of gas-producing water to pass toward the box. In this manner the bell not only controls the admission of gas beneath itself in the manner described before,'but also controls the passage of gas-producing water to The weight 54 may be adjusted, of course, into different positions in the manner described, so as ,"to vary the pressure which the bell 45 will support.

t hen it is necessary to replenish the contents of the cells, .this may be done without interrupting in any way the service of gas to the lights. This is accomplished by means of cocks 57 and 127, which are first closed, so as tocut off communication with the generator-box, whereupon the drawer'24 maybe withdrawn and the cell-compartment refilled, the gas contained below the bell and in the chamber 14 being sufficient to maintain the gas-supply during this time.

While I have shown in the accompanying drawings the preferred form of my invention, it will be understood thatIdo not limit myself to the precise form shown, formany of the details may be changed in form or position without affecting the operativeness or utility of my invention, and I therefore reserve the right to make all such modifications as are included Within the scope of the following claims or of mechanical equivalents to the structures set forth.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

IIC

1. In a gas-generator, a receptacle havinga main dividing-partition and a second dividingpartition disposed transversely with respect to the same, said second dividing-partition closing ofi a portion of said receptacle to form a float-compartment, a plurality of auxiliary dividing-partitions disposed transversely to said first main dividing-partition and forming a plurality of cell-compartments, the edges of said auxiliary partitions being depressed below the edges of said receptacle and said main partitions, and openings through said main partitions at substantially the height of the upper edges of said auxiliary partitions whereby a liquid reagent may pass successively through said cells and into said floatcompartment.

2. In a gas-generator,in combination, a body comprising an upper supply-reservoir and a lower reservoir constituting a washer for the gas, a gas-holder formed between said reser voirs, generating apparatus, and means for passing the gas therefrom through said washer to said gas-holder.

3. Ina gas-generator, a body comprising an upper supply-reservoir, a lower washing-reservoir, a gas-holder formed therebetween, in combination with generating apparatus,means for passing the gas from said generating apparatus through said washer and to said gasholder, and automatic means for controlling the gas-supply to said gas-holder.

4:. A gas-generator comprising a body having an upper reservoir, a lower washing-reservoir, and agas-holder therebetween, in combination with gas-generating apparatus,means for passing the gas therefrom through said washingereservoir and to said gas-holder, a pipe connection leading from said supply-reservoir to said generating apparatus, a valve in said pipe connection, a second valve through which the gas is delivered to said gas-holder, said gas-holder comprising a bell, and connections between said bell and said valves.

5. A gas-generator comprising a body having an upper supply-reservoir, a lower washing-reservoir, and a gas-holder disposed therebetween, said body including a compartment formed between said gas-holder and said lower and connections between said bell and said valve.

6. In a gasgenerator,in combinatioma body having two transverse heads forming two lower compartments, and a water-tank thereabove, the lower of said compartments being adapted to contain water, and constituting a washer for the gas generated, a pipe connecting the lower portion of said lower compartment with the lower portion ofthe compartment above, a bell disposed within said watertank, and constituting a holder for the gas generated, and a bonnet surmounting said body above said bell and constituting a supplyreservoir.

7. In a gasgenerator,in combination, a body having a transverse lower head forming a lower water compartment constituting a washer for the'gas generated, an upper transverse head whereby a compartment is formed between said heads, a pipe connecting the lower portion of said water-compartment with the lower portion of said last compartment, said body above said upper head being adapted to contain water, a bell constituting a gasholder and disposed in the upper portion of said body, a bonnet disposed above said body and constituting a supply-reservoir, there being a tubular member in connection with said bonnet constituting a guide, a rod carried by said bell and projecting upwardly through said tubular member, and a weighted arm attached to the side of said bonnet, and adapted to de press said bell.

In witness whereofI have hereunto set my hand in the presenceof two Witnesses.

GEORGE LAPORTE.

Witnesses:

J. A. MARION, V. (300mm. 

